Wednesday, February 26, 2014

What I've Been Up To...

Many of you may be wondering why things have been so quiet around here. Well...

I've been busy. Taking care of these two precious boys. Over the last two months I've placed my focus on my growing family, after introducing my second son Barrett into the world. He surprised us by coming three weeks early, on the day after Christmas. A sweet Christmas present indeed! I am just fine and am all healed up from delivering this bundle of joy into our world, but I'm still adjusting to this new way of life.

Things have changed for me in the crafting industry... I've stepped down from my place on the Studio Calico design team and I've decided to take a long break from designing stamps for Papertrey Ink. Stamp designing is a ton of work and I need this next year to focus on family first. I have every intention of returning to Papertrey Ink as an illustrator when the time is right.

However, I am happily remaining on the Papertrey Ink senior design team and I'll be back to blogging my projects starting this March 1st. I look forward to getting inky again and sharing what I love with all of you.

In the mean time, if you crave more pictures of this cutie or care to see what I am up to feel free to follow me via Instagram or Facebook. For now I'll leave you with an adorable smile...

Just want to let you know, I cherish each and every one of you and thanks so much for bearing with me through this transition.Maile

80 comments:

Your boys are adorable Maile!! No one can blame you for taking some time for the family. Having a boy already you realize how precious these moments are when they are babes and they are speed warp fleeting moments at that. Congratulations and look forward to seeing your work soon! :D

I have been wondering where you've been. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. Your boys are adorable. I so understand on you wanting to take a break and focus on family and yet spend some time craft. Glad you're going to continue crafting even if it's just a teeny little bit as I do enjoy seeing your projects. The simplicity of your designs is close to my heart. Enjoy your boys and craft!

Congratulations! Your sons both look adorable! I totally understand that you need to focus on your family! Glad to hear that you are still on the DT and we'll see your creations soon again! Recently placed my first order with Papertrey Ink and noticed that most of the stamp sets I ordered were designed by you! Love your style!

What a sweet precious detour for you Maile! Barrett is adorable and with two boys I can totally understand why you are focusing on them, that's as it should be! I have missed your posts and can't wait to see what's coming in March. Congratulations!!

Best wishes to you and your growing family. My son and daughter-in-law were blessed with a second son in early January. Their older son is 20 months. They are learning having two kids is a lot different than having one. Enjoy this special time.

Congrats on your new addition to the family! Looks like you have two happy boys Maile! You are a wise mother in putting some things in your life on hold to enjoy every moment with your boys. They grow up in a blink of your eye.

Congratulations Maile, the newborn and his brother are the best reasons to put your focus on the family! I´m so glad for you! Even though I missed and still miss your creative inspirations I wish you a wonderful time with your family! I really love your PTI stamp-line and the cards you create and I´m so happy that you remain in the DT Team!!! Enjoy your cute boys and make them smile. Greetings, Hanna

Congratulations, Maile, on the birth of your son Barrett. Looks like Big Brother is quite pleased, too, as he should be. You're a smart woman taking time for your family even though we truly missed you. Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely PTI creations on your blog. Welcome back!

Congratulations!!! Maile. You are definitely choosing the right path! Design time can always be resumed. Baby time flies by so fast as it is.. Enjoy your days / minutes with your two as one day you will blink and wonder where the time went. !! I have 2 boys too… One left for college last year.. I swear it just seems like a couple years ago I was taking pictures like you just posted of Barrett.. Enjoy the moments.

Many congratulations on your new little bundle of joy ! Babies are so precious, we have a new granddaughter too and I am in love yet again. Enjoy them both.......they grow up far too soon ;) hugs Viv xx

Maile, congratulations on your new addition. Wow, your boys are beautiful. Life does fly by, so enjoy your time. I love your work, but family comes first. Hope you all are adjusting. Have a wonderful day.

Congratulations! What a sweet, happy baby! I completely understand your decisions and respect them. Being a momma to two boys is super fun! Enjoy it and take as many pictures and videos as you can--you'll appreciate it later.

As a newcomer to your blog may I say you have a beautiful family - both of your boys are very handsome - and Barrett already has a winning smile! Looking forward to reading more from you - but meanwhile enjoy this very special time in your life.

Absolutely NO need to apologize for putting family first! Your decision was spot on - well done :) LOVE the pics of your smiling little guy - totally precious! Enjoy the time, it flies by! My "babies" are 13 and 15 now and I can't believe it!

Thank you for letting us know where you've been. I had a Dec. 26 baby too. Not my favorite Christmas Day, but my favorite 12/26. Then I had a 12/26 grandson, exactly 20 years later. Enjoy every (exhausting) minute.

They are just adorable--both of them! What a smart decision you've made. The days and years fly by. Today is my youngest's birthday---he turns 31! Congratulations! We'll be looking forward to the March release at PTI!

Congratulations and many blessings to your family and what a lovely smile makes your heart melt and I completly understand why you step back to enjoy your family. I have missed your beautiful projects but I am sure they will come back. For now just enjoy your family.

Missed your creative designs but so happy that you are busy with such a special "project". May you continue to be blessed with all the best and enjoy your time with your family. They grow up so fast...Andrea

Congratulations to you and your family!! What exciting news! I am selfishly sad that you won't be designing stamps for a while because I love your eye for detail and amazing touch to them but glad that you will have time with your family and still make gorgeous creations for us to drool over on your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us and inspiring us each and every time you post! <3

Your little Barrett's smile made me smile! Congratulations on his arrival. I respect your decision to spend more time with your precious family and I am also selfishly so excited to see more of your cards in March! You are a gifted designer.

about me

Pronounced (My-lee Bells).
God has blessed me with a wonderful little family. I have been happily married to my loving & supportive husband for 14 yrs. God has provided him with a great job so I can stay at home with our two adorable sons.